Alabama in unfamiliar territory entering Week 1

Kickoff of the college football season is just 12 days away, and with the release of the AP Top 25 rankings on Monday, fans of each team have plenty to talk about leading up to kickoff.

One fan base that will have to search a bit further into the rankings this season to find their team is that of the Alabama Crimson Tide. With several unknowns surrounding the Crimson Tide this season, they found themselves in an unusual spot in the Top 25.

Alabama has its lowest preseason ranking in nearly 20 seasons

Alabama will begin the season ranked No. 13 in the nation, snapping a streak of nearly 20 consecutive seasons that the Crimson Tide were ranked inside the top 10 in the preseason poll.

No. 13 is the lowest Alabama has been ranked in the preseason poll since 2008 when it began the season ranked No. 24. 

That 2008 season was Nick Saban's second year as the head coach at Alabama and jump-started the dynasty that the Crimson Tide were over the next 15 seasons.

What are the expectations this season?

The biggest question surrounding the program this year will be its quarterback. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has still yet to name a starter for the season, as there is an ongoing battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

Alabama's quarterback play will take it as far as it wants to go this season. In an extremely deep SEC, it will likely take 10 wins to even be in consideration for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

If 2008 and 2026 are any bit similar, though, this season could be the jumpstart for another decade-long dynasty in Tuscaloosa.